By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), in collaboration with APM Terminals (APMT), has officially flagged off the expansion of container traffic on the standard gauge rail line from Apapa Port, Lagos, to the Moniya freight yard in Ibadan, Oyo State. This development aims to enhance freight services and streamline container movement.

The flag-off ceremony, held on Monday amid fanfare, was attended by key stakeholders, including the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa; APMT Managing Director, Mr. Fredrik Klinke; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barr. Akutah Pius; Lagos Port Manager, Mr. A. Lawal; and representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Police, customers, business leaders, unions, and security agencies.

Dr. Opeifa commended APMT for its business expansion and longstanding partnership with the NRC. He noted that APMT has been one of the corporation’s largest clients, with a history of container transport on narrow gauge lines to cities like Kano and Kaduna.

He also acknowledged the support of the Nigerian Customs Service and the Nigerian Shippers Council, which has contributed to the sustained collaboration.

The container traffic schedule is set for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Each train will carry 35 wagons of 40-foot or 20-foot containers or a combination of both sizes.

Dr. Opeifa highlighted the federal government’s commitment to modernizing the NRC for efficient transportation. He described the project as a milestone under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, aimed at reducing the cost of goods, improving the standard of living, and contributing positively to the ease of doing business and poverty reduction.

Mr. Klinke described the occasion as a historic step forward for Nigeria’s transportation system. He emphasized the importance of rail transport in reducing time and stress associated with container movement from Apapa Port to Moniya.

Barr. Pius praised the initiative as a vital complement to government efforts to enhance the ease of doing business.

A representative from the Nigeria Customs Service pledged the agency’s continued support for the project.

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial raising of the NRC’s yellow and black flag by Dr. Opeifa and Barr. Akutah at the APM Terminal in Apapa Port. This marked the departure of two locomotives carrying container-laden wagons to Moniya, Ibadan.